The internet is full of discount and open source graphic designers who promise quality work for cents on the dollar. They offer $50 “high quality” logos, web site design for $300, even stock business card or brochure designs that allow you to input your info on a ready-made template for less than half the price you would pay a professional designer. If you’re trying to cut costs, these discount designers seem like a smart choice.

But when it comes to graphic design, the old adage is true: You get what you pay for.

Discount designers and pre-made templates are cheap for a reason; they don’t offer truly custom-made items. Their designs are cookie-cutter and similar to the logos and marketing materials they designed for other companies. You only get one or two revisions when they actually get around to it and have no desire to work with or enhance your brand.

When it comes to updating your logo, designing a business card or putting together a brochure, website, sign or other marketing material to represent you and your company, it’s always worth the investment to hire a professional graphic designer who will work with you, integrate their design into your brand and offer advice to enhance your presence in the eyes of your clients.

Your marketing items represent your business. Don’t let your clients’ perception of you be based on the work of a discount designer.

Have you ever worked with a discount designer? What was your experience?